Method of playing community card games

ABSTRACT

The embodiments of the present invention provide a method of playing community card games, in table games format and or electronic, video, slot machines for casinos. According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more players place an initial wager and a dealer/electronic, video, and or slot machine deals at least one card(s) to the players and at least one card(s) to the dealer. The players and dealer then inspect their at least one card(s) and decide to keep them or draw at least one new card to hopefully form a better at least one card(s). If a decision of a draw is made for an at least one new card, the amount of cards that are drawn, you must have that equal amount(s) of card(s) discarded. After the draw option is complete, at least two sets of community card(s) are dealt. Each set of community card(s) has at least one card. The sets of community card(s) will be named “A” SET, “B” SET, and “C” SET etc. Players have to bet on at least one of the set(s) of community card(s) of either A, B, or C etc. Each set of community card(s) will be used in conjunction with each of the players&#39; and or dealer&#39;s at least one card, to form the best possible predetermined poker hand, for each. The players&#39; wagers are then resolved by evaluating the players&#39; hands and the dealer&#39;s hand in comparison of the best hand of a predetermined fashion, and or the resolution of wagers played against a predetermined pay scale. Various modifications to the first embodiment of the present invention are set forth herein. This method of playing a poker style game, may be used in Texas Hold&#39;Em, Omaha, and 7 Card Stud, 5 Card Stud, Omaha Eight or Better (High-Lo Split), Razz, or any poker game using community cards. The number of cards in each set may change and the number of sets for each game may change. The player may choose to bet one set of cards (A) and choose a specific set (B) for the dealer to have to use to complete the dealer hand. These features are new, novel and non-obvious, instead of the old way of only one flop, turn and river, and also the new feature of replacing the hole cards.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/633,530 filed On Dec. 6, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to gaming and to card games, particularly wagering games using playing cards or images of playing cards, and wagering games pertaining to a method of playing a new type of poker game especially adapted for casino gaming, both in live table and electronic video machine formats, the internet and multi-player platforms.

Gaming establishments continually require new games to offer their players. Casinos are also in need of games which are easy to play and easy to deal. Such games are generally required to enable each player to play against a banker (who usually also acts as a dealer) provided by a casino, rather than against other players. This type of Casino Poker can provide more revenue to the casino that traditional poker because Casino Poker is invariably structured to give the casino an advantage. Exemplary of Casino Poker are the casino games of “Let It Ride”, “Caribbean Stud Poker” and “Three Card Poker. These games have achieved a very high level of commercial success with different formats and attributes in each of them.

In games like Let It Ride and Caribbean Stud Poker, the poker hands that the player must make to get a payoff are hard to get thus the payoffs are infrequent. The player is frustrated because many times they notice that they did not receive a good hand, and neither did any of the other players, with the option of only one set of community cards. In a three-card game like Three Card Poker, the hands are sometimes made but with only using your three cards to form a poker hand the player(s) is frustrated since the game would have had much more possibilities if several community cards sets were used in order to form winning hands more often. Numerous times, the remainder of cards in the deck that are not used as community cards is where most of the winning combinations would be found. Therefore, there is a need for a game, which would bridge the gap in ease of making a hand with more frequent payouts to the player(s), and feature two or more community card sets while dealing from the same deck(s), and before a shuffle.

This new game feature of community card games in poker shall be incorporated into the players and or the dealer receiving a predetermined number of cards, consisting of at least 1-7 cards, and more particularly allowing them to inspect their predetermined amount of initial cards dealt, possibly discarding and replacing cards to form a better hand, and then combining these cards with either of the at least two sets of community card sets, independently to form a final 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 card poker hand, played against a pay scale and also allowing a hand comparison against the dealer and or against a predetermined pay scale, for either a 1 card poker hand, 2 card poker hands, 3 card poker hands, 4 card poker hands, 5 card poker hands, 6 card poker hand and or any other predetermined amount of card and combination of hands, being compared before a new shuffle, independently and or in combination of hands with the dealer and player(s).

In addition, as will be more apparent from the following specification, and as was more fully delineated in our provisional application filed Dec. 6, 2004, it has been determined that the player interest is increased when the odds of the player being able to achieve a winning hand are increased. This of course, must be balanced against the player/dealer/casino having good odds in winning as well. It is clear that with single community card set, the odds of achieving a good hand are more difficult that in a multiple community card set card game. As has been indicated above, in a single community card set poker game, the ability to achieve a good hand is less and therefore the payoffs are less. The present invention seeks to provide a card game, which now focus's on a multiple sets of community cards poker game and as will be demonstrated hereinafter, improves the odds for the player to win, while still maintaining good odds for the casino as well. It will also be appreciated that the over all odds for a player winning in a multiple community card poker card game with two or more sets of community cards available to players that the odds of making a final winning 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 card poker hand, are easier for a player to win in any single community card poker game with only one set of community cards.

Insofar as the prior art is concerned, the art is particularly void of any disclosures or showings of a game with 2 or more sets of community card sets. Similar games are disclosed, but they relate to allowing the choice of community cards from only one single set or pile of community cards, particularly in 5 card poker games. Furthermore, the games disclosed in the prior art are played with one set of community cards and hence, have a different basis for play and a different statistical odds for the player being able to achieve a winning hand. For example, the patent to Webb, U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,774 discloses a poker style casino card game which may be played in either a three card variation, or a five card variation. Webb discloses in the prior art, a player wagering against a predetermined payout schedule, a dealer's hand, or both. The dealer must determine whether his hand exceeds a predetermined rank, and if it does not, the bank paying each player an amount based on the bet and returning the other bet to the player, or if the dealer's hand exceeds the predetermined rank, comparing the dealer's hand in turn with that of each player who placed both bets, and if the player's hand is higher, the banker paying the player and amount based on both bets, and if the player's hand is lower, the player forfeiting both bets, and the banker paying the fixed payout bet in accordance with a predetermined scale to any player who placed the first bet and whose hand exceeds the first predetermined rank. Webb fails to reveal any capability to deal at least 2 sets of community cards, including a flop, turn, and river.

Another prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,002 to Goldman, discloses a poker style casino card game which uses a 52 card standard playing deck plus an additional five jokers for a total of 57 cards. Play consists of dealing 5 cards to each player, and in the preferred embodiment, is dealt face down. The game is played by the dealer revealing a first card, and a player revealing a first card, then deciding on additional wagers. The sequence of the game terminates when all five cards are displayed, assuming each player has stayed in the game, comparing the best five card hand of the dealer against each player five cards. Goldman also reveals that jokers which are part of the deck are never wild and hence, a player receiving a joker ends up in a poor position since on of the five cards cannot count toward the making of a poker hand. Again, Goldman fails to reveal any capability to make or use community cards, of at least 2 sets, to form a final poker hand ranking of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 card poker ranking.

The patent to Breeding U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,081 describes still another variation of a poker game which is played by the player placing a three part bet. Cards are dealt by the dealer, two face down to the dealer and three face down to each player. Players inspect or sweat their cards and the dealer gives each player the choice of withdrawing or leaving a first part of the bet. Each player decides and the dealer then turns over one of the cards and again gives each player the choice of withdrawing or leaving the second part of the bet. The players decide, their cards are shown, and all remaining bets, which were not withdrawn, are resolved. Once again, Breeding fails to disclose or appreciate two or more sets of community cards, or 2 sets of flops, rivers, and turns, from the same deck(s), to form a final poker hand ranking of either 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 card poker.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an enjoyable new card game.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a game that is easy to learn and deal.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a game that makes it easier and more often for a player to make a hand than in any other community poker card game, and hence enhances the odds of the player being able to win in a multiple community card set(s) versus only a single community card set.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a game that has more frequent payoffs than in a single community card poker game since the odds and probability are harder in a single community card poker game than they are in a multiple community card poker game, but nevertheless still maintains the player interest due to the enhanced ability to obtain a winning hand versus a poker game that deals only one set of community cards from a deck(s).

It is a further object of this novel methods of the game that it may be played in table game form, electronic form, board game, progressive, slot machine, and the invention can be embodied in a wide variety and forms of media such as, but not limited to, single player slot video machines, multi-player slot video machines, electronic games and devices, lottery terminals, scratch-card formats, software, as well as in-flight, home and Internet entertainment. The game can also be implemented as a computer program product (e.g., floppy disk, compact disk, etc.) comprising a computer readable medium having control logic recorded therein to implement the features of the invention as described in relation as described in relation to the other preferred embodiments or many other forms. Control logic can be loaded into the memory of a computer and executed by a central processing unit (CPU) to perform the operations described herein. The novel methods of the present invention may be played utilized playing cards as illustrated above, or on an electrical or electromechanical device such as a gaming machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that suitable controls can be provided for receiving the necessary input and therefore will not be described in detail herein. While the gaming device is intended for play by at least a single player against at least a dealer or a playing device, it is also within the scope of the present invention to provide a multi-unit video format wherein a plurality of players may play against each other and or against a dealer. Similarly, from the present description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the novel games of the present invention are readily adaptable for play either within a gaming establishment or at a remote location, such as on a terminal provided in a commercial aircraft or in a hotel room within a casino, or internet, board game and the like, for example. Furthermore, the game is adaptable to a scratch card format.

It is understood that from the present patent description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modification may be made without department from the scope of the present invention. For example, the naming of the wagers, the naming and/or ranking of any hand, the payout schedule, and predetermined winning or losing ranks may be varied in accordance with the requirement of the casino. The table layout may be varied. The rules may be varied, or additional rules imposed, within the scope of the invention.

It is also understood as an advantage of the game that it incorporates a jackpot or a numerical hand value wager; separate designated wagering areas may be provided for these wagers. These may be incorporated at any convenient position on the players' playing areas. The display stand, the wild and joker cards may also be modified or omitted as desired.

Another object and advantage of this game is that while the game is described particularly for play in a gaming establishment; it is not limited in this respect and may also be played for example in a domestic environment or in format of a video game, slot machine, parlor game, board game, lottery-style game or the like.

It is an object of Community card poker, the present invention to provide an exciting and interesting wagering game. Another object of the present invention is to provide a wagering game that is easy to learn.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new variation of well know wagering games, like Texas Hold'Em, Omaha, and 7 Card Poker in which it is made interesting by providing the opportunity for players to make multiple wagers and decisions related to those wagers based on the progress of the game, in offering at least two sets of Flops, and or two set of Turns and or two sets of Rivers, with adjustments to each and every Flop, Turn and River being different in adjusted numbered cards.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a wagering game that is easy to learn, yet demands skill of players in making strategic decisions about whether to draw or keep their first dealt card(s), to be used in conjunction with at least one set of the community card sets, and at least one card in each set.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a unique, exciting card game for play in casinos or at home and on various media including casino tables, video poker machines, video lottery terminals or home computers.

It is an advantage of the game of the present invention that wagering decisions are inherent in the game. The game enhances players' sense of participation and inclines players to bet all three sets of community cards when allowing them to draw and replace their originally dealt card(s). This inclines the players to place bets on all sets of community cards.

The method of the present invention is not limited to two card poker games, but may be applied or used in other appropriate games such as three, four, five, six, or seven card poker. The method of the present inventions does not require a shuffling machine, dealing module, or a display means. However, these facilitate and expedite the play of the game as well as add interest to the game. While the Ante wager and initial community sets wagers (A, B, C etc.) of the present invention is preferably comprised of four bets, the bets do not necessarily have to be equal.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential attributes thereof. It is desired that the embodiments described on the previous pages may be considered in all respects as illustrative, not restrictive, reference being made to the claims to indicate the scope of the inventions capabilities, with and in conjunction of using one or more of the sets of community cards and at least one card of the player card(s) to form a two, three four, five, six, or seven card poker games.

The terms “predetermined” and “pay scale” are intended to have their customary meaning, i.e., respectively, to determine beforehand and to choose in advance. More specifically, in the context of the present invention, they are intended to mean a determination of a pay-scale or a selection of the arrangement of cards that constitutes a pay—off winning hand before a player begins to play. Thus, a pre-determined pay scale or predetermined preselected arrangement(s) of cards will be determined or established by a casino or other game governing entity, by agreement among players or by the traditional rules of the game before any particular game or hand begins and remain fixed or constant for a plurality of bet/wagers resolutions. A predetermined pay scale may include a specific amount (e.g., 1,000 to 1) and it may include a specific multiple of the amount bet (e.g., 1,000 to 1) Whether including a specific amount or multiple of the amount bet, the predetermined pay off of the pay scale remains constant for a duration of play or a plurality of bets, and does not increase or decrease as play continues or as each bet/wager is resolved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a poker game variation in which one or more players play against the casino, other players, and or a pay scale and or other wagering methods. Broadly, the invention is directed to a poker game variant of Texas Hold-Em, Omaha, 7 Card Stud, 5 Card Stud, Omaha Eight or Better (high-lo split), Razz, or any poker game using community cards. The number of cards in each set may change and the number of sets for each game may change, in which a player has a choice between several wagers among the following; an ante wager, a substitute withdrawal card wager if exercised or chosen, and then a separate wager(s) on at least two of the sets of community cards of either the A, B, or C set etc. to play against the dealer, player and or a pay scale. The player may choose to bet one set of cards (A) and choose a specific set (B) for the dealer to have to use to complete the dealer hand

A description of the card game is played wherein one or more players is playing against a pay table, a dealer and or both, wherein the players receives a partial hand that allows the players and dealer an option of replacing their partial hand (hole cards) or choosing the best 2 out of 3 cards initially dealt (partial hand) and that is then completed by ranking this partial hand in combination with at least 2 sets of community cards, set A and set B, separately for two hands of betting, (but may be completed by cards dealt directly to a hand or a combination of cards dealt directly to a hand and at least one community card or wild card).

The preferred way of playing this game would be to use it in a Texas Holdem game that would have an initial hole card replacement and an option of choosing between two three-card flops. The players would have the option of betting against the dealer (two different bets on the different flops A or B), against a payscale (again two different bets on picking flop A or flop B) or both. Each of these bets may be made on the different hands that could be created with the two different flops.

The player(s) make an initial wager against the dealer, against a payscale, or both. Three cards each are dealt to the player(s) and the dealer. The player and the dealer choose two out of the three cards. The dealer keeps a pair or takes the highest two of the three cards. If the player(s) bets against the dealer they may now make a wager in support of the wager against the dealer. The dealer flops two sets (Set A and Set B) of three cards each (two different flops). The player may make a bet after the flop(s), after the turn card, and after the river card is exposed. In the preferred way of dealing this game the turn card and the river card would be the same for all players and the dealer. In other versions of the game the turn card alone or in conjunction with the three flop cards may become a betting option. Also the river card alone or in conjunction with the first three or four flop cards may become a betting option.

In the second preferred way of dealing this game in a Texas Holdem format, the flop would have three sets of three cards to choose from. Set (A), set (B), or set (C) each set having three cards.

In a third preferred way of dealing this game in a Texas Holdem format, only the river card would change having three different sets to choose from. Set (A), set (B) or set (C) each with only one card in a set.

In a fourth embodiment of the game, would offers the player(s) of having the option of betting against the dealer (two different bets on the different flops A or B) and or a pay scale (again two different bets on picking flop A or flop B) or both. Each of these bets may be made on the different hands that could be created with the two different flops. Players initially place an ante wager(s) and then X cards, are dealt to the players and Y cards are dealt to the dealer. Which in this embodiment will be two cards of the at least one card(s) are dealt to the players. An opportunity of changing these cards would exist in some embodiments of the invention. Players would then inspect their two cards in their hands, and if their hand has achieved a pre-determined rank, the player would win that wager accordingly (in some embodiments). The dealer would be dealt 3 cards, allowing him to choose the best 2 cards, or be dealt 2 cards and allow the dealer to draw new cards. The player would also have the option of getting 3 cards and playing their best 2. Then, allowing the players and or dealer a further step wherein each player and the dealer is afforded the option to keep or replace at least one card(s) to hopefully form a better at least one card(s) hand that will be used in combination with each of the community card sets. Now, the players that had made the next wagers, would be allowed to choose from one of the sets, independently, from the remaining sets, inspect their hands, and if their hand has achieved a pre-determined rank, the player would win that wager accordingly. This version would include a standard deck of at least 52 playing cards. This version may also include a non-standard deck of at least 52 playing cards, with or without at least one joker, and wild cards. This version could also be played against other players, the dealer, and or a pay scale and in any combination thereof.

In a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention, one or more players initially place a wager(s) against the dealer and a separate voluntary wager against a predetermined pay scale and then X cards, in this case 2 cards, are dealt to the players. Y amount of cards are dealt to the dealer, which in this case would be 3 cards. Players would inspect their hands, and if their hand has achieved a predetermined rank, the player would win that wager accordingly. Then, comparing the players best X poker hand against the dealer's best Y poker hand and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine the relative ranking there between. The remainder of cards in the deck(s) is now used to deal the second set of community cards before a shuffle. Now, the players that have made the next wager(s) against the dealer and a separate voluntary wager against a predetermined pay scale and then X cards are dealt to the players. Y amount of cards are dealt to the dealer. Players would inspect their hands, and if their hand has achieved a pre-determined rank, the player would win that wager accordingly. Then, comparing the players best X poker hand against the dealer's best Y poker hand and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine the relative ranking there between. This version would include at least a standard deck of at least 52 playing cards. This version may also include a non-standard at least 52 card deck.

In a sixth embodiment of the invention, one or more players initially place an ante wager(s) and then X cards, at least one card(s) are dealt to the players, and then X cards, which in this embodiment will be at least one card of the at least one card(s) that are dealt to dealer. Players would inspect their at least one card hands and if their hand has achieved a pre-determined rank, the player would win that wager accordingly. Then, allowing the players and or dealer a further step wherein each player and the dealer is afforded the option to keep or replace at least one card(s) to hopefully form a better at least one card(s) hand that will then be used in combination with the community card sets. Now, the players that had made the next wager, would be allowed to choose from one of the sets, independently, and from the then remaining sets, inspecting their hands, and if their hand has achieved a pre-determined rank, the player would win that wager accordingly, in combination with their at least one card hands and a set of either set of community card sets. This version would include a standard deck of at least 52 playing cards. This version may also include a non-standard deck of at least 52 playing cards, with or without at least one joker. This version would be played against other players, the dealer, and or a pay scale and in any combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a playing surface for use in playing a card game of one embodiment of the present teachings 2. The table layout is shown with an example of 5 player positions 3, each position having a set of wager positions comprising at least an Ante wager and at least 2 community card set positions (4). Each player's position has at least a card receiving area 5 and a dealer position has his area 6 and the area for sets of community card receiving area 6. Rules of the game and payout tables would be shown as an optional area posted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFFERRED EMBODIMENT

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, players play against a casino. However, in jurisdictions where such games are not legal, such as in California, one player may be designated “Player-Dealer” and all the other players would play against the Player-Dealer. The option to act as Player-Dealer would be offered to each player in turn. In this specification, the term “Dealer” is intended to refer to either a casino dealer, or a Player-Dealer, whichever is appropriate for the circumstances under which the game of the present invention is played.

FIG. 1 shows a playing surface or table layout 2 on which one embodiment of the present invention may be played. The layout 2 may be marked or placed on any suitable surface such as a gaming table. For example, the layout may be in the form of a layout cloth supported on a supporting surface. The layout provides a playing area 3 for a plurality of players, for example seven players, and a separate area 6 for a banker who also preferably acts as the dealer. Each playing area 3 has a number of marked sections or zones for the placing of various wagers by a player as will be described hereinafter.

Each player takes a place at one of the playing areas 3. The game is played in that each player has an opportunity to bet their hole cards against at least 2 sets of community cards, including the flop, turn and river cards. In each round, each player has the option of playing against the dealer, or wagering on the rank of his/her hand or playing a combination of these two options. In other variations of the game a player may have additional betting options. The presently preferred embodiment of the present invention is played with at least a standard deck of 52 playing cards, each deck having at least 13 cards in each of four suits, with or without jokers, and or wild cards.

At the commencement of the game each player decides whether to play the particular round by wagering against the dealer, i.e. an “ANTE” wager, by wagering on the value of his/her hand, i.e. a “A SET, B SET, AND OR C SET” wager, or both. To play against the dealer a player makes an Ante wager by placing an appropriate wager, such as a token or chip, or where permitted, cash, on the section of his/her playing area 3. The gaming chips may be of any conventional kind and available in a number of denominations such as are well known within the art. If the player wishes (alternatively or in addition) to make a wager based on the value of his/her hand, the player places an appropriate token or chip on “A SET, B SET, AND OR C SET” in section of his/her playing area 3. In the present example, the rules of the game provide that payouts will be made according to a displayed payout schedule with “A, B, C SETS” payouts starting at a MINIMUM predetermined payout schedule ranking. In one embodiment of the present invention, hands are preferably ranked according to the following hierarchy, though other rankings may be used: Highest: Royal Flush: AKQJ10 in the same suit (suit has no rank) Four of a Kind: Four of one rank AAAA highest KKKK next highest ranking four of a kind, and so on until 2222 lowest ranking four of a kind Straight Flush: Four of one suit in sequence K, Q, J, 10, 9 highest ranking straight flush Q, J, 10, 9, 8, next highest ranking straight flush, and so on until 5, 4, 3, 2, A lowest ranking straight flush Flush Five of one suit A K Q J 9 highest ranking A K Q J 8 next highest ranking, and so one, until 6 4 3 2 A lowest ranking straight Straight Five in sequence A K Q J 10 highest ranking A K Q J 9 next highest ranking, and so on until 5, 4, 3, 2, A lowest ranking straight Three of a Kind: Three of one rank AAA highest KKK next highest rank, and so on until 222 lowest ranking three of a kind Two Pair: Two different, two of same rank A A K K highest-ranking two pair A A Q Q next highest ranking two pair, and so on until 3 3 2 2 lowest ranking pair One Pair: Two of one rank A A K Q J highest A A K J 10 next highest ranking pair, and so on until 5 4 3 2 2 lowest ranking pair High Card: (A hand comprising none of the above) A K Q J 9 highest A K Q J 8 next highest ranking high card, and so on until 7 5 4 3 2 lowest ranking high card Ace is high, but can be low in 6-4-3-2-A Sequence.

The payout schedule may be varied in accordance with the rules of the game and/or the casino. For example, another version of the game may eliminate the royal flush hand and have the following rankings:

Four of a Kind

Straight Flush

Three of a Kind

Flush

Straight (A-2-3-4-5 is the lowest straight)

Two Pair

One Pair

High Card

The payout schedules are preferably displayed in a convenient manner and location. At times the payscales for different wagers and any extra payouts will be displayed on the playing layout itself and at other times the payouts will be on mobile display material.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two wagering options are independent, so that a player may wager unequal amounts on the ANTE and the A SET, B SET, AND OR C SET.

When the above wagers are in place, the dealer preferably shuffles the cards (manually or otherwise) and then deals X amount of cards, in this case at least two cards to each player and him/herself They then have an option to draw new cards, to hopefully better their hands. The dealer then deals at least two sets of community cards with five cards in each of the sets. The player's cards and the sets of community cards are then used in combination to form a five-card hand and any extra cards are excluded.

The cards may initially be dealt to the players and to the community card sets may be dealt face up or face down, or in combination of up and down when the flop, turn, and river is used in enhancing the ability of players and or house to make a hand, of course depending upon casino policy.

When the cards have been dealt, any player who has placed an ANTE wager inspects his/her hand and determines whether he/she wishes either to fold and forfeit the ANTE wager, or to continue. If the player wishes to continue, according to this illustrated embodiment, the player must place a PLAY wager, on at least one of the three community card sets of A, B, and or C. These bets may be of proportionate value, equal and or different to and is preferably an amount that is mathematically analyzed to be advantageous to the players and of course the house. The PLAY wager is made by placing an appropriate chip on the section 16 marked “PLAY” on the player's playing area 30, in one of the three A, B, OR C SETS. When the player has made the wager then he/she places the cards in the PLAY area below the PLAY wager section 30.

If a player forfeits his/her ANTE wager, the dealer takes the wager and the player's cards are discarded before the game proceeds.

“A, B, C SETS OF COMMUNITY CARD” wagers are not affected to this point. However, a player playing “A, B, C SETS OF COMMUNITY CARD” only, places his/her cards in the playing area if they wish to continue the hand. If the player wishes to forfeit or fold their hand they would indicate such by tossing their hand towards the dealer. If the player is also playing against the dealer with an ANTE wager, he/she must make a PLAY wager if he/she has a winning A, B, C, SETS OF COMMUNITY CARDS wager.

The dealer reveals his/her cards and arranges the cards to show the best five-card poker hand. The dealer then in turn reveals each other player's cards (if they are not already visible), compares the player's best five card poker hand to that of the dealer, and resolves each player's best five card poker hand to that of the dealer, and resolves each player's wager(s).

All players with ANTE and PLAY wagers are automatically winners if the dealer does not have a qualifying high hand or better. This rank may be varied in accordance with the rules of the game or of the casino. Players are preferably paid even money on the ANTE wager and their PLAY wager is returned.

If the dealer has a QUALIFYING high hand or better, and only when required, each player's hand is compared with that of the dealer. If the player's hand is higher, the player is paid even money on both the ANTE and PLAY wagers. If the player's hand is lower, the player loses his/her ANTE and PLAY wagers. If the dealer and player have exactly the same hand, then the hand is a push and the player may either withdraw his/her wager, leave it, or adjust it for the next round.

The present game provides for an additional payout to be made by the dealer, and the player who is in plays against the dealer i.e. who has made an ANTE and PLAY wager, and who has also placed an ANTE wager. As was previously indicated, additional wager may be provided for in the present game and in this connection, there would be provided a payout schedule indicating a certain ranking of winning hands and a payout amount should the player achieve such a hand. The ranks to which such extra ANTE REWARD payouts are made may be predetermined by the rules of the game and/or the casino. The payouts would preferably be based on the ANTE wager amount. These payouts are independent of the results of the game against the dealer. One preferred payoff schedule is as follows:

Players who have wagered on the value of the hand (i.e. A, B, C, SETS OF COMMUNITY CARDS) win if the hand is at least a minimum ranked hand of the posted pay scale, and are paid by the dealer according to the posted pay scale. These payouts are independent of the results of the game against the dealer.

The novel methods of the present invention may be played utilizing playing cards or as an electrical or electromechanical device such as a slot machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that suitable controls can be provided for receiving the necessary input and therefore will not be described in detail herein. While the game may be played on a single slot machine, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a multi-unit video format wherein a plurality of players may play against each other and/or against a dealer.

From the present description, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications may be made without departure from the scope of the present invention. For example, the naming of the different wagers, the naming and/or ranking of any hand, the changing of the necessity of qualifying hands for both the dealer and/or the player, the payout schedules, and predetermined winning or losing ranks may be varied in accordance with the rules of the game or the requirements of the casino. The table game layout may be varied from the described and shown. The rules may be varied, or additional rules imposed, within the scope of the invention. Additional optional bets may be incorporated into the game with a view toward enhancing the player's interest and ability to win additional wagers. One such additional optional bet may be termed a “BAD BEAT SIDE BET”. As indicated previously, once the player has placed a first ANTE voluntary wager and supported that with a third support wager know as a PLAY wager, the player may optionally place a wager on a “BAD BEAT SIDE BET” which wagers against another pre-determined payout schedule. In such an instance, the player is wagering that the player can achieve a hand which appears on the payout schedule even if the player's hand is ultimately outranked by the dealer's hand. For example, if the player has 2 pair or better and is outranked by the dealer, the player would receive a bad beat bonus according to the payout schedule which for example may take the following format: Bad Beat Hand Posted amount 4 of a Kind Posted amount Straight Flush Posted amount Flush Posted amount Straight Posted amount Three of a Kind Posted amount Two Pair Posted amount

Hence, even if the dealer has a hand which outranks the player such that the player could lose both the ANTE bet and the PLAY bet, the player may be able to win the side bonus bad beat bet if his hand still appears on the pre-determined payout schedule.

The player would lose the optional bet in the event that his hand does not appear on the payout schedule and/or the player fold his hand and ceases playing.

It will be appreciated that additional marked zones may be provided to accommodate the optional additional and/or side bets. The marking of the betting zone would be noted accordingly so that the player would know where to position his chips in order to place a side bet.

It will therefore be appreciated that the precise wagering requirements may vary depending upon the casino rules, the nature of the game will remain the same, that is, a four card poker game wherein only four cards are used determining a winner or loser. The precise wagering system can be varied in that any number of additional and optional side bets may be incorporated into the game, or indeed, additional forced bets may be incorporated by the house rules. Surely, the wagering systems may vary dramatically without changing the nature of the card game described and claimed herein. Hence, the precise method of wagering is not deemed to be a critical part of the present invention rather, the criticality of the present invention resides in the playing of a five card poker game, with at least two sets of community cards. The importance of the present invention resides in the fact that by producing and developing multiple sets of community cards, the game is enhancing the odds of the player and dealer in the possibility of winning. 

1. A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: (a). providing at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards; (b). providing a published ranking of winning hands ranked from highest to lowest; (c). providing a predetermined pay scale for winning hands; (d). providing a dealer and at least one player(s); (e). Accepting an Ante wager(s) from one or more player(s); (f). Dealing at least one card(s) to said one or more players(s); (g). Dealing at least one card(s) to a dealer; (h). Determining the strength of each player's and dealers at least one card(s); (i). Said one or more players and dealer further including a step wherein each player and the dealer is afforded the option to keep or replace at least one card(s) to hopefully form a better at least one card(s); (j). Said player proceeding to play the game by placing certain initial wagers selected from the following; (1) a wager on at least one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B, or C etc. to play against the strength of the dealer, and (2) a separate voluntary wager on at least one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B, or C sets etc. to play against a predetermined pay scale; (k). Dealing at least one set of community card(s) named A, B, C etc; (1) Dealing the A set of community card(s) and each set has at least one card and (2) Dealing the B set of community card(s); and each set has at least one card and (3) Dealing the C set of community card(s); and each set has at least one card etc. (l). Determining a strength of each player's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s)(A set) to form a two card hand; (m). Determining a strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s)(A set) to form a two card hand; (n). Comparing the strength of each player's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community card(s) (A set) with the strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community cards (A set) to form a final two card poker hand each and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine the relative ranking there between; (o). paying each player's wager against the strength of the dealer if the player's hand ranking outranks the dealer's hand; (p). taking each player's wager against the strength of the dealer if the dealer's hand ranking outranks the player's hand; (q). Said player proceeding to play the game by placing a separate voluntary wager on at least one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B, or C etc. to play against a predetermined pay scale; (r) Determining strength of each player's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (A set) to form a two card hand; (s). paying each players separate voluntary wager against the predetermined pay scale if the player's hand has achieved a rank at least as high as the first ranking from said published ranking; (t). taking the player's separate voluntary wager against the predetermined pay scale if the player fails to achieve at least the minimum ranking from said published ranking;
 2. The method of playing a wagering game as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein a player is provided with an opportunity to place an additional wager on the “B” set of community card(s) as outlined in J 2 and (a). providing at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards; (b). providing a published ranking of winning hands ranked from highest to lowest; (c). providing a predetermined pay scale for winning hands; (d). providing a dealer and at least one player(s); (e). Accepting an Ante wager(s) from one or more player(s); (f). Dealing at least one card(s) to said one or more players(s); (g). Dealing at least one card(s) to a dealer; (h). Determining the strength of each player's and dealers at least one card(s); (i). Said one or more players and dealer further including a step wherein each player and the dealer is afforded the option to keep or replace at least one card(s) to hopefully form a better at least one card(s); (j). Said player proceeding to play the game by placing certain initial wagers selected from the following; (1) a wager on at least one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B, or C etc. to play against the strength of the dealer, and (2) a separate voluntary wager on at least one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B, or C etc. to play against a predetermined pay scale; (k). (1) Dealing the A set of community card(s) and each set has at least one card and (2) Dealing the B set of community card(s); and each set has at least one card and (3) Dealing the C set of community card(s); and each set has at least one card etc. (l). Determining a strength of each player's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (B set) to form a two card hand; (m). Determining a strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (B set) to form a two card hand; (n). Comparing the strength of each player's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community card(s) (B set) with the strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community cards (B set) to form a final two card poker hand each and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine the relative ranking there between; (o). paying each player's wager against the strength of the dealer if the player's hand ranking outranks the dealer's hand; (p). taking each player's wager against the strength of the dealer if the dealer's hand ranking outranks the player's hand; (q). Said player proceeding to play the game by placing a separate voluntary wager on at least one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B, or C etc. to play against a predetermined pay scale; (r) Determining a strength of each player's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (B set) to form a two card hand; (s). paying each players separate voluntary wager against the predetermined pay scale if the player's hand has achieved a rank at least as high as the first ranking from said published ranking; (t). taking the player's separate voluntary wager against the predetermined pay scale if the player fails to achieve at least the minimum ranking from said published ranking;
 3. The method of playing a wagering game as set forth in claim 1 above, wherein a player is provided with an opportunity to place an additional wager on the “C” set of community card(s) (J) and A method of playing a card game, comprising the steps of: (a). providing at least one standard deck of 52 playing cards; (b). providing a published ranking of winning hands ranked from highest to lowest; (c). providing a predetermined pay scale for winning hands; (d). providing a dealer and at least one player(s); (e). Accepting an Ante wager(s) from one or more player(s); (f). Dealing at least one card(s) to said one or more players(s); (g). Dealing at least one card(s) to a dealer; (h). Determining the strength of each player's and dealers at least one card(s); (i). Said one or more players and dealer further including a step wherein each player and the dealer is afforded the option to keep or replace at least one card(s) to hopefully form a better at least one card(s); (j). Said player proceeding to play the game by placing certain initial wagers selected from the following; (1) a wager on at least one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B, or C etc. to play against the strength of the dealer, and (2) a separate voluntary wager on at least one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B, or C etc. to play against a predetermined pay scale; (k). Dealing at least one set of community card(s) named A, B, C etc; (1) Dealing the A set of community card(s) and each set has at least one card and (2) Dealing the B set of community card(s); and each set has at least one card and (3) Dealing the C set of community card(s); and each set has at least one card etc. (l). Determining a strength of each player's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (C set) to form a two card hand; (m). Determining a strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (C set) to form a two card hand; (n). Comparing the strength of each player's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community card(s) (C set) with the strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community cards (C set) to form a final two card poker hand each and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine the relative ranking there between; (o). paying each player's wager against the strength of the dealer if the player's hand ranking outranks the dealer's hand; (p). taking each player's wager against the strength of the dealer if the dealer's hand ranking outranks the player's hand; (q). Said player proceeding to play the game by placing a separate voluntary wager on at least one of the sets of community card(s) either A, B, or C etc. to play against a predetermined pay scale; (r) Determining a strength of each player's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (C set) to form a two card hand; (s). paying each players separate voluntary wager against the predetermined pay scale if the player's hand has achieved a rank at least as high as the first ranking from said published ranking; (t). taking the player's separate voluntary wager against the predetermined pay scale if the player fails to achieve at least the minimum ranking from said published ranking;
 4. The method of playing a wagering game as set-forth in claim 1 above, wherein a player is provided with an additional opportunity to place wagers on the strength of each player's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a THREE card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at least one card; and Determining a strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a THREE card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at least one card; and Comparing the strength of each player's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set ETC.) with the strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community cards (A, B, C set etc.) to form a final THREE card poker hand each and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine the relative ranking there between;
 5. The method of playing a wagering game as set-forth in claim 1 above, wherein a player is provided with an additional opportunity to place wagers on the strength of each player's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a FOUR card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at least one card; and Determining a strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a FOUR card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at least one card; and Comparing the strength of each player's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set ETC.) with the strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community cards (A, B, C set etc.) to form a final FOUR card poker hand each and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine the relative ranking there between;
 6. The method of playing a wagering game as set-forth in claim 1 above, wherein a player is provided with an additional opportunity to place wagers on the strength of each player's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a FIVE card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at least one card; and Determining a strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a FIVE card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at least one card; and Comparing the strength of each player's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set ETC.) with the strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community cards (A, B, C set etc.) to form a final FIVE card poker hand each and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine the relative ranking there between;
 7. The method of playing a wagering game as set-forth in claim 1 above, wherein a player is provided with an additional opportunity to place wagers on the strength of each player's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a SIX card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at least one card; and Determining a strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a SIX card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at least one card; and Comparing the strength of each player's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set ETC.) with the strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community cards (A, B, C set etc.) to form a final SIX card poker hand each and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine the relative ranking there between;
 8. The method of playing a wagering game as set-forth in claim 1 above, wherein a player is provided with an additional opportunity to place wagers on the strength of each player's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a SEVEN card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at least one card; and Determining a strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) in combination with said at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set etc.) to form a SEVEN card hand; and each set of community card(s) has at least one card; and Comparing the strength of each player's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community card(s) (A, B, C set ETC.) with the strength of said dealer's at least one card(s) and at least one set of community cards (A, B, C set etc.) to form a final SEVEN card poker hand each and excluding all extra cards dealt to determine the relative ranking there between;
 9. A method of claim 1(a) wherein at least one standard deck of playing cards and at least one joker may be used;
 10. A method of claim 1(a) wherein at least one non standard deck of playing cards with or without at least one joker may be used.
 11. A method of claim 1(a) wherein at least one standard deck of playing cards and at least one wild card, or promotional card, and or at least one joker, may be designated electronically or otherwise.
 12. A method of claim 1(a) wherein at least one non standard playing cards and at least one wild card, or promotional card, or at least one joker, designated electronically or otherwise.
 13. A method of claim 1 further including wagers selected from the following; a) A wager against the dealer, and b) A separate wager against a predetermined pay scale; and c) A separate wager on a bad beat hand;
 14. A method of claim 1 wherein the player(s) and or dealers at least one card may be an integer of at least 1 thru infinity in combination with said at least one set of community cards (A, B, OR C SETS etc.); Specifically to form a final poker hand of either two card poker, or a final hand of three card poker, or a final hand of four card poker, or a final hand of five card poker, or a final hand of six card poker, or a final hand of seven card poker etc;
 15. A method of claim 1 wherein the sets of community cards (A, B, OR C SETS etc.) may be an integer of at least one community card thru infinity. in combination with said at least one card of player(s) and or dealer; Specifically, to form a final poker hand of either two card poker, or a final hand of three card poker, or a final hand of four card poker, or a final hand of five card poker, or a final hand of six card poker, or a final hand of seven card poker etc.;
 16. This is one analysis of community card games, but not the exclusive way. Other bets against a pay scale may be made. For example, in each of the at least one card of the dealers and or players cards, and in each set of the community cards (A, B, OR C SETS etc.), the amount of cards may be different, e.g. the dealer may get more than at least one card than the player, and in each of the sets of community cards (A, B, OR C SETS), the amount of cards used in combination with the player(s) and or dealer at least one card may be the same, equal, or more than, or less than the at least one of the other(s), to form the final two, three, four, five, six, or seven etc. card game, and the opposite or inverse or the same of how many cards may be used will be also allowed; 